SUNPLACE SPECIAL

SUNPLACE SPECIAL

A quick walk-through

Several expert gardeners are working on building eight children’s theme gardens at the Trumbull County Agricultural and Family Education Center in Cortland. The eight, along with a few characteristics of each:

Sensory garden: This has a walkway and is to encourage people to use their senses to fully appreciate nature. Example of plants are hostas, petunias and lavender.

Reading garden: Plants have a relationship with various children’s books and stories. Zinnias and other plants will be used to enhance youngsters’ appreciation for reading.

Fairy garden: This one will feature miniature plants such as hostas and small ferns, as well as a small play area.

Barnyard garden: A simulated barn, along with posters made by members of 4-H clubs, will greet visitors. Lamb’s ear and milkweed are two examples of plants with names that relate to farm animals that will make up this garden.

Hands On garden: Children will be encouraged to touch and feel the offerings here. They include beans to grow on tepees, various shade plants and an arbor for young people.

Wildlife garden: A mainstay at this site will be plants with animals’ names, such as colt’s foot, along with common ones such as astilbes and impatiens.

Kitchen garden: Children will develop a greater sense of how everyday foods are grown and where they come from. These include broccoli, cabbage, cucumbers and parsley.

Birds and Butterfly garden: This is akin to a small habitat for both and will feature sunflowers, liatris, carnations and other flowers that attract them. Also complementing this garden will be butterfly and bird baths.

Source: Sunplace Special organizers